Vancouver, B.C. – The value of B.C.’s export economy was recognized today with the announcement of the 24 finalists for the 2006 BC Export Awards. These finalists will celebrate at the 2006 BC Export Awards Gala which will be held on Friday, November 10, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
For 24 years, the BC Export Awards have acknowledged the unique approaches and contributions of British Columbia export companies across a variety of sectors and all regions of the province. The awards are open to all B.C. companies that have been exporting a product or service for two or more years.
“These B.C. businesses are a testament to the quality of products and services our exporters bring to the rest of the world.” said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development. “Their successes bring new wealth and employment to our province, while encouraging other British Columbians to enter exporting and generate new and exciting business opportunities internationally.”
From this field, winners will be selected from the eight business categories with one company named as Exporter of the Year. This year, B.C.’s oldest award ceremony will present an additional two categories, recognizing achievements in both sustainability and leadership.
“The BC Export Awards have a strong history acknowledging the major leaders in B.C.’s export industry sectors and celebrating their innovative vision and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Werner Knittel, Vice President, B.C. Division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
This year’s top 24 finalists are:
New Exporter
Blossom Winery Ltd., Richmond, B.C., www.blossomwinery.com
Faronics Corporation, Vancouver, B.C., www.faronics.com
Western Canadian Coal Corp., Vancouver, B.C., www.westerncoal.com
Advancing Technologies
Ascalade Communications Inc., Richmond, B.C., www.ascalade.com
Carmanah Technologies Inc., Victoria, B.C., www.carmanah.com
MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), Richmond, B.C., www.mdacorporation.com
Consumer Products
Natural Glacial Waters Inc., Fanny Bay, B.C., www.naturalglacialwaters.com
Robeez Footwear Ltd., Burnaby, B.C., www.robeez.com
Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., Richmond, B.C., www.storkcraft.com
Manufacturing Products
Britco Structures Ltd., Langley, B.C., www.britco.com
Clayburn Industries Ltd., Abbotsford, B.C., www.clayburngroup.com
Valid Manufacturing Ltd., Salmon Arm, B.C., www.validmanufacturing.com
New Media & Entertainment
Next Level Games, Vancouver, B.C., www.nextlevelgames.com
Rainmaker Limited Partnership, Vancouver, B.C., www.rainmaker.com
Trafford Publishing, Victoria, B.C., www.trafford.com
Primary Products & Resources
Catalyst Paper Corporation, Vancouver, B.C., www.catalystpaper.com
Fraser Valley Packers Inc., Abbotsford, B.C., www.fraservalleypackers.com
Interex Forest Products Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., www.interexfp.com
Professional & Services
Acrohelipro Global Services Inc., Richmond, B.C., www.acrohelipro.com
Build Direct, Vancouver, B.C., www.builddirect.com
Robert Allan Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., www.ral.bc.ca
Sustainability
Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc., Delta B.C.
lululemon athletica inc., Vancouver, B.C., www.lululemon.com
South Alder Greenhouses Ltd., Delta, B.C.
Leadership
Helmut & Hugo Eppich, Richmond, B.C., www.ebco.com
About the BC Export Awards
The 2006 BC Export Awards are co-hosted by Canadian Manufactures & Exporters and the Ministry of Economic Development. Presented annually, the Export Awards are open to all B.C. registered companies that have exported a product or service for two or more years.
Sponsors of this year’s awards include RBC Financial Group, Alcan Inc., Western Economic Diversification Canada, Export Development Canada, Air Canada Cargo, The Eyes, Vancouver Port Authority, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Business Development Bank of Canada, KPMG LLP, Fireworks Marketing Group, Greer Shipping, International Financial Centre, Terminal Systems Inc, Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang, Canada Export Centre, BC Business Magazine, Hyatt Regency Vancouver and Optimum Public Relations.
For more information visit www.bcexportawards.com.
Media Information:
Dana Sissons
Optimum Public Relations
604-647-2985
Dana.sissons@cossette.com
Donna Serviss
BC Export Awards
604-637-0016
bcexportawards@cme-mec.ca